WW CHICAGO: STJEPAN SEJIC TAPPED AS NEW WITCHBLADE ARTIST - THROUGH 2010

**MattBrady** · 08-11-2007, 05:11 PM

If all goes to plan, his will be the version of Witchblade people will both see for the next three years, and ideally, remember fondly in years to come. Who’s he? Stjepan Sejic.

Top Cow today announced that it has locked in the Croatian artist for a 34 issue run on Witchblade, from issue #116 through #150 – that would start early next year, and wrap up in right around the end of 2010.

Yeah. Apparently, they’re serious.

But before we get into the nitty gritty, let’s give the guy a little respect, and start this off with a definitive way to pronounce his name.

“Our best, informed theoretical pronunciation of his name goes like this: ‘Stee-pan Say-itch,’” said Filiip Sablik, Top Cow’s Vice President of Marketing and Sales. “But our goal is to have a different way of pronouncing his name at every show we go to – although I think we’re slowing down and settling on ‘Croatian Sensation,’ to be honest.”

So what went into signing an artist for a specific book for such a substantial run? Basically, the desire for stability and identity.

“We haven’t really had an artistic identity on Witchblade since Mike Choi left the book,” Rob Levin, Top Cow VP of Editorial told Newsarama. “We brought on Adriano Melo to do a nice long run and tackle it like Mike did, since Mike’s run gave the book some stability and strength. But Adriano couldn’t deliver on a monthly schedule, and we ended up a little lost again. We knew we needed a high caliber person on the book, and Stjepan was there. As we were working more and more with him, and gear up for First Born, we just saw that there was so much creative energy coming from him, and that he was just more of a powerhouse than we thought original. I think he’s one of the bets artists working today, and can deliver at a steady pace, so he’s committed to the run – from #116 to #150 – 34 issues. When he completes that, we’ll have the longest run of Witchblade ever by a single artist.”

Sablik agreed. “Yeah, what really sealed it was when we started seeing the pages for First Born. We got really excited about what he was doing, and saw the potential he had. One of the things that Matt Hawkins has said that, in the past, Top Cow has been known for taking art in our books in new directions with guys like Mike Turner and David Finch. Those two, largely, were our first generation of the Top Cow style and the Top Cow look, and I think that Stjepan really brings something new to the table – a new artistic look for our flagship title. It’ll be a new era of Witchblade.”

Both Sablik and Levin are firmly convinced that Sejic will be able to continue to meet his deadlines, something that some fans already have a hard time believing, given the painted art.

“Generally, painted work is much slower than pencils and inks, but Stjepan has come up with his own process – he even does tutorials online where you can see that he’s doing nothing differently,” Levin said. “He’s laying down colors and the flat shapes, and building it up from there to result in the finished product, but he’s doing it all in Photoshop. But yeah – he can turn things around to stay on a monthly schedule and the quality is just, frankly, shocking. He’s turned some things around super-quickly – and I’m not going to say what – on tight deadlines that I’ve checked for fan response, and no one even noticed.”

Sablik: “And if you look at his sketch work and his developmental work, you can see that he really does think like a painter. A lot of guys that you see do painted work in comics are still coming from the perspective that the line work comes first, and then you go in over top. Stjepan really paints in light and color, and then shapes and then brings the detail out at the very end.”

So – if half the creative team is locked in, what about the other half? Will Witchblade writer Ron Marz be calling the series home through the end of 2010?

“Assuming that Ron doesn’t have a nervous breakdown, Ron is along for the ride,” Levin said. “We don’t have every issue plotted out through issue #150, but Ron and Stjepan have been working together really closely to plan out what’s beyond what’s already been set. So, I know that the two of them really want to work together on the book, and they’re both committed to it, and we’re committed to keeping that team together as long as we can.

“Likewise, with Phil Hester and Michael Broussard coming in on The Darkness – we’re going to try and lock them in for a nice, long run as well. So if everything goes as panned, we’ll have two flagship books coming out on a regular basis that will show people month-in, month-out the best that we have to offer.”

Stephanie · 08-11-2007, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattBrady

he’s committed to the run – from #116 to #150 – 34 issues. When he completes that, we’ll have the longest run of Witchblade ever by a single artist.”

Holy crap! That's awesome!

ausuran · 08-11-2007, 05:45 PM

no offense but i'll believe it when I see it. Still, an artistic identity for the Witchblade wouldn't hurt.

PoisonElf · 08-11-2007, 05:54 PM

Congrats to Stjepan!
It's about time they locked him on a regular book.

bebopeva88 · 08-11-2007, 06:07 PM

Wow, cool. I had no idea that Sejic was able to work so fast. I just assumed from the way his stuff looks that it probably took him awhile to do an issue.

It's great that Witchblade will have such a great and consistent artist on the title. If it comes out on time, this could be really huge for the title.

RedRonin · 08-11-2007, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bebopeva88

Wow, cool. I had no idea that Sejic was able to work so fast. I just assumed from the way his stuff looks that it probably took him awhile to do an issue.

It's great that Witchblade will have such a great and consistent artist on the title. If it comes out on time, this could be really huge for the title.

Same here. I'm no Witchblade fan, but he art is great. I thought it'd take him longer than it appears to. That's pretty amazing.

aquilar · 08-11-2007, 06:45 PM

well considering that due to some flight reservation problems i missed out on the 2 cons and am beyond pissed of i m not able to have a lil... demonstration of my work, but since ill be doin some vider tutorials in the next few weeks people will be able to see my speed

Stjepan

gorilla_buoy · 08-11-2007, 07:01 PM

This is awesome news! Stjepan's art has really grown on me. You can guarentee I will be along for all 34 issues.

BriGuy · 08-11-2007, 08:05 PM

Congrats to both Top Cow and Stjepan. Excellent idea, IMO.

leafinsectma · 08-11-2007, 08:53 PM

I hope Top Cow is paying this guy a lot of money because he's freaking awesome! Congrats Stjepan!

vfxdammerung · 08-11-2007, 09:59 PM

AMAZING work--and AMAZING work rate. Kudos to Sejic and Top Cow for nailing this deal. If Sejic does indeed maintain a monthly rate--he'll put all of those tardy big names to shame with not just his speed, but pure quality as well. Hell, he's doing ALL of the art (from beginning to finished colors)!

finn5fel · 08-11-2007, 10:58 PM

Terrific news! I do follow Witchblade, and I've been enjoying Sejic's artwork from day one. If he does deliver on a monthly basis, I hope nobody will ever defend late artists claiming that "you can't rush art". I mean, this guy colors the book as well! I hope this actually happens. Congratulations, Stjepan!

aquilar · 08-11-2007, 11:39 PM

no hopes needed mate, i usually make about 50 pages monthly and covers and some misc stuff, im well aware of what im gettin myself into here but its a challenge i intend to pass with flying colors

jza1218 · 08-11-2007, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aquilar

well considering that due to some flight reservation problems i missed out on the 2 cons and am beyond pissed of i m not able to have a lil... demonstration of my work, but since ill be doin some vider tutorials in the next few weeks people will be able to see my speed

Stjepan

That sucks.

Congrats on the work though

Would you happen to be free for commissions? And do you have a dealer for your original art? I'd love one of your Witchblade pages

Dilutral · 08-11-2007, 11:43 PM

Stjepan Sejic is awsome I'd buy anything he draws!!!

Sesshomaru · 08-12-2007, 12:55 AM

Great news , though i'm far more happier to hear about the Darkness

melperfect · 08-12-2007, 02:19 AM

[quote=MattBrady

[/QUOTE]

Um, Holy Sh!t!

This dude's amazing.
Top Cow locked up a contract with him because Marvel or DC would offer him a deal in a second.

Stepjan, if you had the chance, what Marvel or DC characters would you want to draw?

Congratulations on the Top Cow deal, this -> piece is astounding.

aquilar · 08-12-2007, 09:28 AM

the thing is i never was too much of a superhero artist. not so much that 9 dont like them, as they just drag way too much of a history behind them so it allways feels like dropping in, unless its a self contained story or a well written arc that doesnt involve paralel universes, ... dont ask me why but whenever a story hits paralel universes i lose a piece of respect for it . that being said, hm when i think about it a spiderman versus carnage or venom... maybe even doc ock , i like to paint complex and detailed characters, i m actually thinkin of makin a cool pic of spidey versus one of these guys, lol maybe even a whole team

now dc books, its hard to tell really. really like batman, many wonderful details to draw there, awes inspiring shots come to mind green lanters is very intreaguing to me, especially the whole corps scene, so much to draw lol im a sucker for big mass shots

oh... and one day im gonna come to america and kick whoever thought up the whole croatian sensation thing, for cryin out loud i sound like a Don King product lol

melperfect · 08-12-2007, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aquilar

the thing is i never was too much of a superhero artist. not so much that 9 dont like them, as they just drag way too much of a history behind them so it allways feels like dropping in, unless its a self contained story or a well written arc that doesnt involve paralel universes, ... dont ask me why but whenever a story hits paralel universes i lose a piece of respect for it . that being said, hm when i think about it a spiderman versus carnage or venom... maybe even doc ock , i like to paint complex and detailed characters, i m actually thinkin of makin a cool pic of spidey versus one of these guys, lol maybe even a whole team

now dc books, its hard to tell really. really like batman, many wonderful details to draw there, awes inspiring shots come to mind green lanters is very intreaguing to me, especially the whole corps scene, so much to draw lol im a sucker for big mass shots

oh... and one day im gonna come to america and kick whoever thought up the whole croatian sensation thing, for cryin out loud i sound like a Don King product lol

Thanks for the reply.

You have a long fantastic career ahead of you which I'm sure will take you down many exciting paths. Your art is beautiful.

SELK · 08-12-2007, 11:52 AM

I see this as great news. I love your work Mr. Sejic. This kind of exclusivity is mutually beneficial in that Top Cow has another A Grade talent that they can cultivate attached to a flagship title and as an artist Mr. Sejic can possibly refine his already fantastic art (Is that even possible?). Congrats.

For Top Cow characters I'd like to see more from you, I'd definitely want to see your work in a "Tales of the Darkness" type mini or a Magdalena mini. Maybe another Tales of the Witchblade mini with your input on other wielders.

For company crossovers, your work will do wonders in titles with a fantasy setting like Spawn: Godslayer (yeah I want to see Bairn vs The Darkness). Heard you love He-Man, Conan, and Red Sonja and man I can just imagine an awesome crossover comic with any of those characters!

I'm kinda ashamed because I only heard about your pet project Ravine just now and I can't wait for it to hit the shelves.

STL · 08-12-2007, 02:18 PM

Awesome news. I love this series and Marz and Sejic are a great combo. Its the 1st time I've ever felt the writing has matched the art.

And anyone else who likes Marz stuff should check out his stuff with Luke Ross on their Samurai series with Dark Horse.

jakov_spiric · 08-12-2007, 02:31 PM

congratulations on the deal stjepan
keep up the great work, hope to see you on crs this year in zagreb (if it happens...), maybe even get a sketch or something

hrvatska senzacija

aquilar · 08-12-2007, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jakov_spiric

congratulations on the deal stjepan
keep up the great work, hope to see you on crs this year in zagreb (if it happens...), maybe even get a sketch or something

hrvatska senzacija

oh ill come to crs... if for nothin else then to find you and kick you in the butt, ill be the one kickin butts of people who mention the phrase croatian sensation in any lingo

aquilar · 08-12-2007, 07:58 PM

SELK - lol stjepan will do just fine steven also as that would be the translation of my name nosw magdalena ios something i definitely plan on tackling and actually... nah heheh too early to mention, anyhoo bout ravine man i worked ont hat thing for 7 years now developing it shaping utp the world, characters and events, hopefullly people will recognise that and like the comic... well maybe comic isnt the proper phrase.. a bimonthly graphic novel works better as a description

STL glad u like it mate, and it will only get better as i ve developed some new photoshop techniques that will hwelp me add more details and acchieve much higher levels of crispynes and finish .. lol even foirst born 2 is kickin first born 1 s ass to high heavens

SELK · 08-13-2007, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aquilar

SELK - lol stjepan will do just fine steven also as that would be the translation of my name nosw magdalena ios something i definitely plan on tackling and actually... nah heheh too early to mention, anyhoo bout ravine man i worked ont hat thing for 7 years now developing it shaping utp the world, characters and events, hopefullly people will recognise that and like the comic... well maybe comic isnt the proper phrase.. a bimonthly graphic novel works better as a description

Just hearing that you want to work on Magdalena is good enough to be a confirmation for me.

Oh yeah, is there a site with more background info about Ravine? I've only come across some of the artwork in your portfolio.

http://nebezial.cgsociety.org/gallery/486718/